Temperature Testing as a Diagnostic Aid
Instructor Larry Turay
There was standing room only with an 80 + attendance to Instructor Larry Turay’s class. If you wanted a seat you had to show up early that’s for sure. After attending the class myself, I now know why so many people wanted to attend. Not only is Larry an incredible teacher with years of experience but he has a way of explaining things to even a complete novice to the well rounded expert and have them both laughing at his anecdotes and nodding with acknowledgement to his detailed explanations of the processes of the modern air conditioning system. Larry covered the use of sealant identifiers, refrigerant identifiers, and how to properly contain and dispose of contaminated refrigerants. While adding his own stories and experiences regarding air conditioning repairs kept everyone in stitches. Some of the other highlights were discussion on weather conditions, humidity levels, interior cabin filters, radiator condition, and so much more was covered. With his quick wit and detailed examples Larry made it fun and easy to keep up with his fast paced energy filled class. “You can’t just use a set of gauges to determine the condition of an A/C system these days,” Instructor Larry Turay went on to say, “This is where using temperature readings can help aid in the proper diagnostics of today’s cars.” Some of the key points was the condenser input and output temperature readings. A 20 to 50 degree change in temperature between the two points (measured as close as possible to the inlet and outlet) is a key diagnostic tip, but… not the only one. Temperature readings from the evaporator inlet and outlet, vent temperature are all part of coming up with a complete diagnostic answer. Larry also went over how a low charge amount in a compressor can not only mean no cooling in the passenger compartment but how it can affect the actual oil flow thru the entire A/C system. Using case studies and creating different scenarios of failures, Larry was able to show what the pressure gauges and the temperature readings would show per case study. Each case study then was broken down into what was the cause of the failure and what each of the different temp. readings per components inlet and outlet lines was telling the technician. Several attendees had questions and a few had some clarifications or a different way of explaining the answers obtained from the case studies, which only aided in the overall understanding of the use of temperature testing and how valuable these tests can become. I’ve got to admit; keeping an audience of 80+ techs, shop owners, distributors, and educators on the edge of their seats interested in a comprehensive in-depth study of temperature testing is harder than you think. Obviously, Instructor Larry Turay is not new the challenge. One of the best classes I attended. I’ll guarantee you this… next year at MACS, I’m signing up for his class early and I’m showing up early… believe me, it’s worth the effort. See you there! 